Check out the latest recycled furniture to see how a fence can turn into a table and a washing machine can be reborn as a stunning piece of statement lighting.
1. Discarded fencing turned table
When designer Jason Horvath stumbled upon a pile of discarded fencing in his workshop’s neighbourhood of Brooklyn, the idea for the first Fenced-In Table was born. The cast iron material is formed into a traditional Art Deco repeat design finished with a blackened or powder-coated base with a glass top. Each piece is handmade in custom sizes and finishes, signed and numbered by the maker, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. uhurudesign.com
2. Worn out washing machine turned lamp
Designed by Alex Kovatchev, the Wash Lamp is a spectacular eco-friendly lighting solution made from a worn-out washing machine drum. The drum’s perforated surface and stainless-steel finish create a unique lighting display when illuminated, spreading multiple dots across a number of surfaces. Available as pendants, they can also be affixed as a wall light or can even become luminous, low-to-the ground seating — ideal for a bright outdoor setting. idea.bg
3. Surplus seat belts turned rocking chair
The Gotham Rocker by J. Persing Company shows how great design can come from using minimal materials. Made from surplus seat belts, which have been dyed with non-toxic and water-based inks, these chairs would suit any eco warrior’s pad. The chair is available in a wide selection of belt colours and wood stains. jpersing.com
4. Wine glasses turned glass chandelier
The Glass Chandelier is a winning attempt at sleek up-cycling. Designed by Lubomir Vassilev, the brief was to create a light fixture with a luxurious feel but with the additional challenge of upcycling as much of the materials as possible. Polished stainless steel is used for the base, which hides all the electrics, and the client’s own wine glasses became the light shades. A small, chromed aluminium detail holds a LED light in to each of the glasses. idea.bg
5. Old farming equipment turned futniture
British furniture designer, Guy Cheneix-Trench, turns unwanted and unused items into something useful and beautiful by upcycling old farming and industrial equipment to make chic, practical furniture. Water tanks turn into consoles, feed bins become mirrors; silos, cogs and oil drums create long-lasting, unique pieces that capture the beauty of yesteryear in a contemporary fashion. antiquesbydesign.co.uk
6. Plastic bottled turned pendant lighting
Sarah Turner is an award-winning artist and designer making beautiful lighting from a product that would otherwise end up in landfill. Her decorative lighting is crafted from waste plastic drinks bottles collected from cafés and households that she then cleans and sandblasts to give an opaque look. Each bottle is then hand-cut and shaped into a unique work of art totally unrecognisable from its original state. sarahturner.co.uk
7. Paper turned yarn
Finnish company Woodnotes was founded by textile designer, Ritva Puotila and her son Mikko, and celebrated 25 years of working with paper yarn in 2012. The original concept behind the company was to combine creativity with raw materials, so Ritva decided to use paper yarn due to its unique characteristics, not as a substitute for other materials. Woodnotes rugs are now known around the world and chosen by designers and architects for their elegant design, sustainable materials and superior quality. woodnotes.fi
By James Cleland
From Grand Designs Australia magazine Vol. 2 No. 1
